Efforts by left-wing groups to challenge Missouri’s redistricting maps, which were created by Republicans and endorsed by former President Trump, have stumbled in federal courts, especially as midterm elections draw near.
Democrats and progressive activists have launched several legal challenges to overturn the maps established by the Republican-led state legislature. This initiative culminated in a law enacted by Governor Mike Kehoe in September, set to take effect in December. Known as HB1, this legislation sets new district boundaries intended to help Republicans secure more seats in what is anticipated to be a fiercely competitive election.
Currently, there are six Republicans and two Democrats in the Missouri House of Representatives. The revised map splits Kansas City into three districts rather than the existing two, complicating efforts for Democrats to retain Rep. Emanuel Cleaver’s 5th Congressional District.
Despite multiple lawsuits from progressive activists aiming to halt these new boundaries, none have been successful thus far.
The latest blow to the Democratic Party came with the ruling in the case Maggard vs. Missouri. This lawsuit, initiated by the ACLU of Missouri on behalf of People Not Politicians—a group advocating for a referendum to cancel the Republican maps—did not go in their favor.
The activists believed they could block the map from taking effect by gathering signatures for the proposed referendum. However, on March 27, the Cole County Circuit Court ruled in favor of the state, allowing the new map to remain intact.
Judge Brian Stamp noted, “Even if this court were to grant the plaintiffs the relief they sought, the referendum could still be defeated for lack of sufficient signatures, and the plaintiffs’ alleged injury would be speculative.” He emphasized that the plaintiffs’ claims depend on a scenario that might not happen.
Missouri First, a political action committee supporting the Republican map, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, calling it a “decisive victory for the rule of law” and a rejection of unfounded political challenges.
“The court confirmed what we’ve said all along: The Missouri First Map is valid,” the PAC stated. “It’s time for the left to accept reality and move on.”
In response, the ACLU vowed to appeal the decision, as reported by a local NPR station.
Just days prior, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled 4-3 in the case of Luther vs. Hoskins, stating that the Missouri Constitution does not limit the General Assembly’s authority to redraw district lines mid-decade. This ruling came from a lawsuit claiming that the state could not authorize such changes more frequently than once every ten years.
The court affirmed that the circuit court’s conclusion was correct, stating that current laws allow for legislative action on HB1.
Additionally, on March 12, the Jackson County Circuit Court sided with the state in the case Wise v. State of Missouri, which criticized the new district maps for causing potential harm to Kansas City voters.
The court determined that the map adhered to the state’s constitutional requirements for compactness and equal population distribution.
Judge Adam Cain remarked that the plaintiffs did not meet the necessary burden of proof, thus upholding the General Assembly’s decision on the map.
In a separate case on February 15, the Cole County Circuit Court supported the Governor’s right to call special sessions for redistricting. This ruling followed a challenge from the NAACP, arguing against the legality of special sessions for invalidating the map.
Judge Christopher Limbaugh articulated that the Governor has discretion in defining “extraordinary circumstances” that warrant such sessions.
In remarks to media, Missouri Attorney General Kathleen Hannaway heralded her office’s victories over efforts to derail the new map.
“The Missouri Attorney General’s Office has successfully defeated each attempt to undermine the will of the electorate,” she stated. “The court has affirmed that Missouri’s Congressional maps are legal and constitutional.”
